A bucket list cruise via the Panama Canal

Item: Emerald Princess
Rating: 4.9
Author: Gwbigdog

Emerald Princess Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Gwbigdog

Contributor Level: Admiral

171 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 17

Helpful Votes: 170

Overall rating:

4.9 out of 5

15 Night Panama Canal - Ocean To Ocean New Locks (Ft. Lauderdale To Los Angeles)

Sail date: March 17, 2023

Ship: Emerald Princess

Cabin type: Suite

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Great cruise, a little bout of Norovirus on the second day (helped me keep my cruise weight down). The medical staff was terrific. Lucky I had a balcony (always) and aft to get a clear view of the locks in the early AM. I was released at 0830 with all being good. Joined my wife at the aft and had an adult breakfast beverage. All the food was good including the buffet, which had plenty of choices. We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Smooth and Easy

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Clean, friendly and our Waiters Richard and Devan were outstanding. The Crown Grill and Sabatinis were excellent.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

My wife enjoyed the Zumnba and workout areas.

Casino

5 out of 5

Fun was 50% ahead, paid in cash.

Medical Center

5 out of 5

Great staff knowledgeable, caring and kept me informed all the way. I did not miss any good meals. I was very impressed with their knowledge, information and results.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Mostly good and enjoyable.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Waiters Richard and Devan were outstanding. Room Steward Glen was the best. Jennifer and Marvin were onboard from the Majestic. Pamela was the bartender in Crooners, cute and nice.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Ship was clean and and crew was tuning her up all cruise.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Mini Suite was terrific and enjoyed the larger bathroom and sitting area. Liked being near the aft and the great views of the PC Locks.

Ship tip

Be ready to enjoy yourselves, relax and have a good time. The medallion app worked well when I figured out how to use it properly, i.e. make sure all other applications are closed.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

5 out of 5

Visited two days earlier and stayed at the Embassy Suites

Thumbs Up 2

Cartagena, Colombia

5 out of 5

Warm and humid compared to the mountains, enjoyed walking around,

Thumbs Up 0

Panama Canal Transit

5 out of 5

My Grandfather was a Engineer on the original canal. It was very impressive going through the new locks.

Thumbs Up 3

Fuerte Amador, Panama

5 out of 5

Enjoyed walking around.

Thumbs Up 0

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

5 out of 5

Nice people not to pushy, just walked.

Thumbs Up 0

Huatulco, Mexico

5 out of 5

Our favorite port an up and coming tourist destination. We would like to go back. Took a bus tour to see the views. The Marina (Navy controls the Port), very safe.

Thumbs Up 0

San Pedro (Los Angeles), California

5 out of 5

Grew up there, did not visit.

Thumbs Up 1

Disembarkation

1 out of 5

Actual disembarkation was about 30 minutes. No busses, some broke down and employees (not Princess stated take a uber to taxi is you have a close flight) and everyone had to wait 2 hrs, luckly we have a 3 hour window.

Traveler Photos

7 Comments

Niavlys 9 months ago

On my bucket list too...

Thumbs Up 0

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Ladyjunecliff 1 year ago

Thanks for the review. I think you helped us chose which Panama Canal cruise to take. Also great to know the Norovirus did not ruin your cruise.

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Gwbigdog 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing

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javawoody 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing

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byhisgrace 1 year ago

Awesome itinerary, glad that you enjoyed your cruise

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AuntPinkie 1 year ago

Appreciate your detailed and informative review. Glad you enjoyed your Canal transit. I know you’d been looking forward towards it. Sorry you became ill, but happy you recovered during your sailing, so all was not lost. Happy anniversary!

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cruising2004 1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your cruising experience. Sorry to hear about your sickness. Great pictures by the way.

Thumbs Up 1

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